Resonator device and circuits for 3-D detection/receiving sonic waves, even of a very low amplitude/frequency, suitable for use in cybernetics

ABSTRACT

A resonator device comprises a plurality of transducers fitted and spatially aligned on the four prongs of two tuning forks, with vibrating masses, placed side-by-side with the four prongs arranged at 90° angles one from the other in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, the distance between the individual prongs, their dimensions, shapes and masses, producing mechanical vibrations and resonances at predetermined frequencies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As the enclosed drawings show, this resonator device and circuits fortridimensional detection and receiving of sonic waves, even of a verylow amplitude and frequency, in fluids, and suitable for use incybernetics, in the form of a slender transducer system, that is alwayscompatible with the binaural human perception of sound, in accordancewith the present invention is characterised by the fact that it includestwo pairs of transducers (the N, W pair corresponding to a Left-typehuman ear, and operates best with sounds from an anticlockwisedirection, whilst the E, S pair corresponding to a Right-type human earthat, being specular to the other, operates best with sounds from aclockwise direction), that are aligned symmetrically one pair from theother, with the two left transducers always mirroring those on the rightjust like the human left and right ear. These four transducers areappropriately fitted and spatially aligned on corresponding supportstructures that can be likened to the arms or prongs of a tuning-fork.These structures can be described as being ‘like two tuning-forks’, withresonating/vibrating masses due to signals, fields or waves (thatinclude electronic/electrical transducers on the prongs), placedside-by-side with the four prongs facing four different ways, arrangedat 90° angles, one from the other, in an anticlockwise or clockwisedirection (the passage from anticlockwise to clockwise direction, andvice versa, occurs through the simple swapping of the two transducers ofa single pair, and maintaining the electrical/electronic circuitsunaltered for all of the possible configurations: therefore in the firstconfiguration, for example, in Sheet 1/5, the N transducer of theanticlockwise left pair switches from external to internal and assumesthe position occupied by W, leaving, therefore the W transducer tobecome the most extreme outer left). The distance between the individualprongs, their dimensions, shapes and masses are set accordingly, inorder to receive different longitudinal and transversal mechanicalvibrations and resonances at accurately predetermined frequencies;therefore these structures can be designed for different types ofapplications. This resonator device can in fact be ‘tuned’, as though itwere a musical instrument, but in this case it would be done only, orabove all, to receive particular frequencies at the maximum sensitivitypossible without the use of electronic amplification and/or filters(active filters, high or low pass filters, band pass filters and so on).

In the nineteenth century Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von Helmholtz(1821-1894) used hollow balls of glass/spun brass with two directlyopposing holes or neck-like apertures; the larger aperture was pointedin the direction of a sound source, and the smaller, slender nippleinserted into the ear. This device is still referred to today as aHelmholtz Resonator. The resonator device in accordance with the presentinvention is characterised by the fact that it represents the mostsophisticated development to date of a Helmholtz resonator, and it hasbecome a slender transducer system, that differs totally from anartificial head or dummy head. It is for this reason also that thisresonator device is intended for use in a variety of different sectors,including those linked to human necessities.

This electronic/electromechanical transducer system picks up mechanicalvibrations, even of time domain very low amplitude and frequency(improving the detection of geo-electrical waves induced bygravitational signals), infrasonic, sonic and ultrasonic waves, acousticwaves, shock waves, sonic booms through photo-electric detectors,acoustic, capacitive or electromechanical transducers or vibratoryelements, and other types of transducer like velocity or pressuregradient microphone cartridges or capsules, to convert movement andvibrations that have been captured (in the atmosphere, surrounded bygas, immersed in water or other types of liquid) into electricalsignals. All component materials that may create interference with thedesired frequencies are not to be used. This resonator device canoperate across a wide temperature span, starting at approximatelyabsolute zero, right through to conditions of extreme heat, or extremelevels of humidity also with dust, magnetic fields, radioactivity and soon, in accordance with the present invention consisting of a slendercybernetic transducer system capable of truly emulating the human senseof hearing especially when configured to reproduce the characteristicsthat exist between the external and internal human ear (with the actualauditory canal or ‘meatus’ that connects the ear drum to the outer earhaving an average length of 27 mm) that functions as if it were an openorgan pipe where its lowest resonating frequency would be 3181 Hz. Italso emulates the human sense of balance linked to the sense of hearing,through the vibrations of the masses of the device's four prongs, thatcorrespond approximately to the labyrinth within the internal ear,calibrating their dimensions to reproduce the states of motion or restlike in a human body that is subjected to the earth's gravity, is alwayscapable of recognizing dimensional space, and in so doing enhancing allof the characteristics of the ears and adding it to others that wouldnot otherwise be achievable. There is also the additional possibility ofincreasing the sensitivity of the device through the use ofamplifiers/preamplifiers circuits (also using Integrated Circuits andChips) specifically designed for eliminating interferences, andsuppressing disturbing noises thanks to the use of four separate lowvoltage feeders connected to an equal number of separate supplyapparatuses, which precisely guarantee the display of the tridimensionalamplification of all electric parameters.

The investigation and analysis of materials and fluids by determiningtheir chemical or physical properties, or the control of environmentalparameters (geophysical measurements), may also require the use of:chromatic tuners, tuning range generators, or function generators (alsowith arbitrary wave forms), with the addition of one or two transmittersor beacons, also placed precisely opposite one another in relation tothe fact that this device presents many similarities with the operatingprinciples of a diapason (in which transmitters and/or beacons havingthe output characteristics of being detected by this device using:infrasonic, sonic, ultrasonic or acoustic waves, or combining severaldirectional or non-directional signals for determining the presence,sense of direction or deviation from a predetermined direction of one ormore objects simultaneously, providing a display or obtaining imagesthereof). Above all, in order to achieve this the use of computers isrequired for evaluating data, using analysis of electrical variables forobjects/targets characterization, objects/targets signature andcross-sections (filtering out distortion with spectral manipulations,and using spectral analysis programs of graphic displays, or acousticspectrography and spectroscopy, frequency spectrum analysis, frequencyspectrogram analysis, 3-D spectral displays, resampling and resynthesisof signals in graphic displays, or sonometers). It is also possibleusing Real-Time performance systems comparing and analysing spectra ofthe signals received (with or without amplification) with samplingsignals taken as reference by “subtracting” a new specified spectralsignal from a current spectrum (also on a logarithmic scale) where eachpoint in the resulting display represents the ratio of the spectraldensity between the same two points. In the statistical analysis ofwaveforms “auto-correlating” a spectrum is a very useful technique forstudying and applying the periodicity of functions.

This device is also a system than can be used for recording sounds instereophonic form whilst retaining at all times an unaltered andfaithful tree dimensional reproduction of the sounds, that is alwayscompatible with the binaural human perception of sound via earphones,audio head phones, speakers, loudspeakers, sound diffusers, from twinaudio channel satellite radio and TV transmissions and so on. It istherefore compatible with all types of equipment currently in existencefor recording, mixing, transmitting and reproducing sounds, or imageswith sounds (video, movie and much more). All audible sounds are audiblefrom the extreme audible left to the extreme audible right, from thehighest audible point to the lowest audible point, including the frontand rear, always precisely defined. The possibilities also exist, byexploiting the technical characteristics of this resonator device, forrecording inaudible sounds some of which can be heard throughrecognisable physical effects such as resonance or acoustic beats usingtwo separate channels (FIGS. 13 and 15, Sheet 5/5). When used inindustrial applications however, this resonator device can also exploitone channel where the compatibility with the binaural human perceptionof sound is not required. This device is in fact capable of identifyingthe direction from which a sound or signal originates using only oneLeft-type channel (that operates best in an anticlockwise direction) orRight-type channel (being specular to the other, operates best in aclockwise direction). A major characteristic of this type of industrialapplication is that it consists of Real-Time detection without the needto use any rotating parts (FIG. 12, Sheet 5/5). Also in this case theresonating device assumes only values of resistivity when it interceptssounds for which it has been designed. It in fact renders the reactivevalues identical (inductive and capacitive) causing one to cancel outthe other. At these frequencies, commonly referred to as resonating,this device behaves as though it were a perfectly ohmic transducersystem. There are a several values of frequency at which a cancellingout of the total reactance value occurs, that corresponds to the minimalimpedance value, and therefore maintaining the voltage values constantwill result in an increment of the value of the current generated bythis device at the output. It is also possible however, to produceparticular configurations on the basis of required uses andapplications.

TECHNICAL FIELDS OF THE INVENTION

In particular the device in accordance with the invention and theassociated system configurable with it, can be used to detect soundsthat, because of their specific frequency (ultrasonic or infrasonicwaves), as well as their low intensity (less than 20 μPa at a frequencyof 1 KHz corresponding with the low hearing threshold), remain inaudibleto the human ear. These include, for example, the sound of a waterdroplet as it detaches itself from a dropper.

This resonator device can vibrate at more than one resonating frequency,in relation to the precise values for which its mechanical vibratingstructure has been designed. It is in fact the same as the taut string(or vibrating string) of a pianoforte that is capable of vibrating atmore than one frequency corresponding to the respective harmonics thatare stationary waves of differing lengths and frequencies. This device'smajor quality does not rest with the different types of transducers withwhich it can be equipped (these transducers can in fact be of any typeas long as they are able to convert the movements of the prongs—whichsupport and hold them—into electrical signals when they resonate, withthe addition of incremental vibrations for sound pressure in air) butrather in the quality and type of the structure that supports and holdsthem, and it is this that in particular constitutes the main content ofthis patent. This resonator device, more than any other transducercurrently available, is in fact capable of intercepting and capturingpure sounds (fundamental harmonic or fundamental overtone or firstpartial) and in so doing can transform the maximum quantity of energyreceived into electrical signals.

The maximum amount of energy received must not therefore be dispersed inthe form of sounds (therefore the careful choice of the materials usedto manufacture the mechanical structure of this device becomes extremelyimportant) and furthermore the mechanical structure must not interfereor interact with the sounds that surround this resonator device.

Furthermore, the device in accordance with the invention and the relatedsystem configurable with it allows the picking up of all sounds at theirprecise point of origin (azimuthal and zenithal angular localisation)and simultaneously present in one given environment (separation anddistinguishing of the sound's sources), including the different andnumerous points of origin of the jittering of dust particles or socalled “background noise” caused by the environment but also due tomolecules of gas (Brownian motion). They will remain separated even atthe moment of listening, without one superimposing another.

The device, in accordance with the present invention, can also be usedas a detector of geo-electrical signals (dust particles or cells thatare stimulated and influenced by gravitational field and fromgravitational wave sources) in gaseous or liquid environments in as muchas the said device detects time domain amplitude and frequencyvariations in electric potential between two condensers (in particularwhen they have identical capacity values) at a constant charge when themembrane of one of the transducers moves with respect to the other (evenin the absence of the effect of jittering on particles and molecules attemperatures of approximately absolute zero degrees).

A further advantage of this device is that it can be manufactured atvery low costs and can therefore be fitted to audio, video, and movieequipment (both for amateur and professional use) and can be used as atridimensional precision sound level meter or professional microphoneand can also be employed in the manufacture of professional audioinstruments, even at a very low cost. This is particularly useful inindustrial applications e.g. quality control in automatic production,for detecting and locating masses and foreign bodies in foods,beverages, pharmaceuticals and in other applications where x-rays andmicrowaves would not be advisable, and so on. It specifically concerns aresonator device that is a configurable multi-purpose sound system thatcan be used for recording sounds in stereophonic form whilst retainingat all times an unaltered and faithful three dimensional reproduction ofsounds, that is always compatible with the binaural human perception ofsound. It could also find applications in, amongst other things: a)subaqueous uses as a hydrophone; b) for measuring vibrations and speeds;c) azimuthal and elevational guidance systems also with robotics; d)indicating positive or negative directions of a linear movement, orclockwise or anticlockwise direction of a rotational movement; e) fordetermining the presence of a target discriminating between fixed andmoving objects; f) presence-detecting and visualisation of the interiorof objects; g) neutralising some undesirable influences from terrestrialfields.

Human necessities: this resonator device is applicable in diagnosing andanalysing biological material and in the field of therapy (recording andsampling in a way which requires outputs through transducers or elementsplaced on skin of the human body). It is particularly suited fortherapies using several types of procedures in which recorded soundsamples of a particular type of waves (infrasound and ultrasound)suitable for electromedical applications can be amplified (with thetridimensional amplifications of all electrical parameters), directedand concentrated according to the required use. The maximum availablesonic energy is concentrated at the point where the two waves, emittedby the two frontal transmitters (positioned precisely one opposite theother, as shown in Sheet 5/5, FIG. 14), meet. What is more, with the useof two transmitters the possibility of controlling sonic energy isimproved, enhancing the quality of the treatment and the power todestroy sick or abnormal cells without damaging others (sonic waves inthe field of oncology are used for destroying the membranes andcyto-skeletons of cells). Examples of some of the different types ofapplications are: infrasound, ultrasound therapy and massage;infrasonic, sonic and ultrasonic directional vibrations; localisedultrasound hyperthermia (over 40° C.); extra-corporeal shock wavetherapy. Further therapeutic uses could be: the neurobiology oflearning, memory and meaning, treatments for increasing neurologicalfunctions, and electro-vibratory effects on body and brain, fortreatments in physiology, psychology and psychophysiology.

These and other additional uses can be envisaged for this particularresonator device and circuits for 3-D detection and receiving of sonicwaves, even of very low amplitude/frequency, in fluids, and suitable foruse in cybernetics, with preamplifier circuits specifically designed foreliminating interferences and suppressing noises by four separatelow-voltage supply feeders connected to an equal number of separatesupply apparatuses, in order to also guarantee the device's realtridimensional displays in accordance with the present inventionconsisting of a slender cybernetic transducer system capable of trulyemulating the human sense of hearing, enhancing all of itscharacteristics and adding to it others that would not otherwise beachievable.

BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION

Introduction to the Particular Characteristics of This Device

Even if this invention is fitted with the same types of transducers usedin similar devices, it cannot be directly compared with others, because,above all, it derives its particular and unique characteristics andperformance from the fact that it vibrates, as does a diapason,“imitating” and “emulating” its physical properties. Furthermore, thistransducer system can also be produced with a dedicated amplificationcircuit designed to transfer intact to the output all of thetridimensional parameters of the signals captured by the original(diapason-like) resonator device.

Several of the patents listed below represent a technology that isrecognised as being state of the art in the field of tridimensionalsound reproduction systems. The versatile device presented through thispatent is characterized by the fact that when compared to previousconcepts, shows how its technological configuration can be consideredinnovative and inexpensive. Above all it proves without doubt to be themost naturally suited in emulating the complexities found in humanhearing when linked to the sense of balance that is subjected to earth'sgravity and to the states of motion or rest in which the human bodyfinds itself at the actual moment of perceiving sounds.

All of these characteristics and more (that have not even beenmentioned) constitute the scientific principle on which this device isfounded that above all others. This is in virtue of the fact that itdoes not require a dummy head (like for example the expensive GeorgNeumann™ product KU100, a Dummy Head with a binaural stereo microphonethat resembles the human head and has two microphone capsules built intothe ears). This binaural reproduction is achieved without the need toresort to contrived dummy ears and pre-arranged mathematical algorithms(like for example the expensive Sennheiser™ products, Surrounder pro,and Lucas (Personal Home Theater Dolby Surround Prologic™), thatincorporates a special Dolby™ decoder and has four individually drivenloudspeaker systems for PC games and home theatre). It is also ideallysuited for production at low costs, thanks to the presence of fouridentical cartridges which point precisely in the direction of the fourcardinal points covering the physical space not only around but alsoinside the four transducers in all possible directions of origin of oneor more audible or inaudible sounds.

It is a particular feature of this resonator device, consisting of fourupright prongs or forks, or a ‘double diapason’ (or ‘triple diapason’,where it becomes possible to consider the production of a third diapasonfor the existence of a horizontal axis of contiguousness between theinternal of the left and right hand prongs of the two diapasons), thateach prong is specifically turned with its detection surface pointing inthe direction of its own cardinal point (so that one faces North, oneWest, one South, and the other East, in an anticlockwise or clockwisedirection in 90° steps).

BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION

Relating to the Field of Sound Transducers Intended for BinauralListening That is Characteristically That of Human Beings

-   -   1) THE RECORDING AND REPRODUCTION OF WAVER PATTERNS        (PCT/CA95/00336) International Publication Number: WO        95/35012—International Publication Date: 21 Dec. 1995        -   Applicant and Inventor: Saretzky, Eric.        -   This describes the classical method of recording and            reproducing audible sound directly through loudspeakers only            in a realistic and precise manner, but that excludes            geo-electrical effects and infra-acoustic (infrasounds) and            ultra-acoustic (ultrasounds) elements of sound, and which            requires a great number of perfectly synchronized channels.    -   2) DIRECTIONAL HEARING AID        -   Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,738 Date of Patent: 14            Jun. 1988        -   Inventors: Brearley, Maurice N. and Widrow, Bernard.        -   This constitutes the first truly valid prototype of a            monophonic device not yet influenced by geo-electric effects            in any specific way. This device is improved upon in U.S.            Pat. No. 5,793,875, but only with respect to the objectives            set: i.e. to assist the hard of hearing to be able to            achieve even directional hearing in:    -   3) DIRECTIONAL HEARING SYSTEM        -   Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,875 Date of Patent: 11            Aug. 1998        -   Inventors: Widrow, Bernard and Lehr, Michael A.    -   4) No title available.        -   Patent Number: FR 2501448 Publication date: 10 Sep. 1982        -   Applicant and Inventor: Chesnard, Henri.        -   Where a sound recorded normally is reproduced in holophonic            form (i.e. virtually but not really recorded in three            dimensions).        -   Such a methodology will not achieve significant results as            can be deduced from:    -   5) RECORDING AND PLAY BACK TWO-CHANNEL SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING        HOLOPHONIC REPRODUCTION OF SOUNDS        -   International Publication Number WO 98/07299—International            Publication Date: 19 Feb. 1998 Applicant and Inventor:            Finsterle, Luca Gubert.    -   6) OMNIDIRECTIONAL SOUND FIELD REPRODUCING SYSTEM        -   Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 3,824,342 Publication Date: 16            Jul. 1974        -   Inventors: Christensen, Roy Martin; Gibson, James John; Le            Roy, Linberg Allen.        -   Develops a methodology for picking up and reproducing in            quadraphonic form using three channels; less efficient            than 1) but more practical whilst still introducing certain            inaccuracies in the directional reproduction and greatly            limiting the space available to the listener for perfect            listening,    -   7) A STEERABLE AND VARIABLE FIRST-ORDER DIFFERENTIAL MICROPHONE        ARRAY        -   Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,127 Date of Patent 7 Oct.            1998        -   Inventor: Elko, Gary Wayne.        -   An extremely accurate device for pinpoint picking up but            that does not appear to be particularly suited to human            binaural hearing.            This next device appears to be a decided improvement, even            though unsuitable for binaural listening (which was on the            cutting edge in 1977):    -   8) COINCIDENT MICROPHONE SIMULATION COVERING THREE DIMENSIONAL        SPACE AND YIELDING VARIOUS DIRECTIONAL OUTPUTS        -   Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 4,042,779 Publication Date: 16            Aug. 1977        -   Inventors: Craven, Peter Graham and Gerzon, Michael Anthony.    -   9) The following are to a certain extent less pertinent than the        ones listed above:

Patent Number: US 4536887 (Publication Date: 20 Aug. 1985) PatentNumber: US 4703506 (Publication Date: 27 Oct. 1987) Patent Number: US4752961 (Publication Date: 21 Jun. 1988) Patent Number: EP 0690657(Publication Date: 03 Jan. 1996) Patent Number: US 5581620 (PublicationDate: 03 Dec. 1996).Devices that are in no way pertinent using the following artificial andcontrived methodologies such as this:

Patent Number: US 5583962 (Publication Date: 10 Dec. 1996)that irreparably and in a contrived way alters signals that are trulytridimensional (in this case it would be more accurate to speak ofvirtual three dimensionality rather than real). Such as for example in:

Patent Number: US 3800088 (Publication Date: 26 Mar. 1974).

BACKGROUND ART

Relating to The Field of Recognising and Analysing Objects (also bymeans of one of more sound sources)

It is also necessary to make reference to the state of the art ofanother type of device (even if it does not make use of sonic waves)that is designed for investigating and analysing materials and fluids,or also requires the use of beacons to locate the position or identifythe shape (or both) of specific objects or targets. This second andspecific field of application for the resonator device does not restrictthe previous application in any way, and means that the device beingpresented in this patent could just as easily be used as an activatedinterception diapason. The devices, considered state of the art, wheretheir details particularly relate to other methods and methodologieswhich are currently known about and used in various sectors, and arequoted here as examples:

-   -   10) U.S. Pat. No. 3,811,782—METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING        THIN FILM ABSORPTION AT LASER WAVELENGTHS in which a pressure        measuring instrument, such as a capacitance microphone, is        connected to measure the pressure of a gas in the chamber.    -   11) U.S. Pat. No. 3,887,896—ACTIVE SONAR IMAGE PERCEPTION with a        binaural handset for locating the source of the acoustic echo.    -   12) WO 9847022—DOPPLER RADAR WARNING SYSTEM for determining the        distance between a target and the receiving antenna.    -   13) U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,082—METHOD OF DETECTING LOCALIZATION OF        ACOUSTIC IMAGE AND ACOUSTIC IMAGE LOCALIZING SYSTEM in which an        acoustic impulse is emitted from a sound source to a dummy of a        human head.    -   14) U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,172—ACOUSTIC DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD        FOR ULTRASONIC IMAGING where an ultrasonic imaging system has a        tridimensional acoustic display using Head Related Transfer        Functions (H.R.T.F.).    -   15) GB 2204402—AUDIO LOCATION OF A SOUND SOURCE where the output        signals are compared during the rotation of two microphones that        may be mounted on the outside of a helmet.    -   16) DE 3528075—METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STEREO-ACOUSTIC HIT        POSITION MEASUREMENT OF PROJECTILES which uses a minimum of six        microphones, protected by a mound, in the proximity of the        target.    -   17) JP2001296350—DETECTION/ESTIMATION METHOD OF SOUND RANGING        SENSOR AND APPARATUS THERE-FOR that measures a propagation loss        of a plurality of points and a sound velocity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS (5 SHEETS, 15 FIGURES)

-   Key (5 Sheets of Drawings, 26 Drawings, from FIG. 1/a to FIG. 15/b)-   L=left channel or left side for recording or playing ultrasonic,    sonic and infrasonic waves and vibrations;-   R=right (channel/side or direction of sound);-   J=left channel—equivalent to left channel in FIG. 9/a and FIG. 10    (Sheet 4/5); with frontal perception precisely defined by “N” and    “E” transducers;-   K=right channel—equivalent right channel in FIG. 9/a and FIG. 10    (Sheet 4/5); with frontal perception precisely defined by “N” and    “E” transducers;-   J=equivalent to right channel (Sheet 4/5 FIG. 11) with the frontal    perception precisely defined by “W” and “S” transducers;-   K=equivalent to left channel (Sheet 4/5 FIG. 11) with the frontal    perception precisely defined by ‘W’ and “S” transducers;-   N=North orientation of transducer capsule from which it principally    captures waves and vibrations (that corresponds to the Front-Left    direction in Sheets 1/5, 2/5 and 3/5), that is always paired with    the W transducer, and as a result of this both the transducers are    equivalent to a Left-type human ear;-   W=West orientation of transducer capsule from which it principally    captures waves and vibrations (that corresponds to the Rear-Left    direction in Sheets 1/5, 2/5 and 3/5, that is always paired with the    N transducer);-   E=East orientation of transducer capsule from which it principally    captures waves and vibrations (that corresponds to the Front-Right    direction in Sheets 1/5, 2/5 and 3/5), that is always paired with    the S transducer, and as a result of this both the transducers are    equivalent to a Right-type human ear;-   S=South orientation of transducer capsule from which it principally    captures waves and vibrations (that corresponds to the Rear-Right    direction in Sheets 1/5, 2/5 and 3/5, that is always paired with the    E transducer);-   G=Ground/grounding (or negative pole of the electronic circuit);-   +=Positive terminal of the sound transducers or separate low voltage    feeders (positive pole) of the electric circuit;-   C=Condenser with a precise capacitance;-   R=Variable resistance, potentiometer or precision trimmer (for    controlling frontality);-   A=Amplifier/Preamplifier with separate low voltage feeders connected    to a separate supply apparatus;-   IC=Single integrated circuit with two separate low voltage feeders    (an original system of tridimensional preamplifiers developed for    this device);-   Front/Rear=front or rear origin/direction of the acoustic waves or    vibrations (Sheet 5/5, FIGS. 12 and 15/a);-   Looking Direction=direction in which the front of the head/device is    facing;

Note: the symbols relating to the “N” (referred to Front-Left), “S”, “B”and “W” (white on black ink) identify the transducers on the basis ofthe conventional direction in which they are facing (cardinal points).

The resonator device consists of a system having several transducers(see FIG. 8) appropriately fitted and spatially aligned on correspondingsupport structures than can be likened to the arms or prongs of a tuningfork (see FIG. 9/b and FIG. 9/c). This structure can be compared to twotuning forks placed side by side with the four prongs facing fourdifferent ways, arranged at 90° angles one from the other in a clockwiseor anti-clockwise direction (see FIGS. 1/a and FIG. 4/a), with thedistance between the individual prongs being set according torequirements, and the height (of the four prongs) also being variabledepending on the required use. In this way it is possible to achievenumerous interacting operational set-ups on the basis of the differentuses, as illustrated for reference purposes, but in no way restrictive,in the enclosed five drawing Sheets which include:

Sheet 1/5

In the first production model the frontal reception is determined by theN and E transducers, where the N transducer is externally positioned onthe left side and is always pointing in one direction, defined asFront-Left; on the other, right-hand side, the E transducer undertakesthe same function, and is always defined as Front-Right; the Wtransducer, defined as Rear-Left, is always electrically paired with theN transducer, whilst the S transducer, defined as Rear-Right, is alwayselectrically paired with the E transducer;

FIG. 1/a shows a simplified configuration of a first type of thisresonator device;

FIGS. 1/b, 1/c, 2/a , 2/b, 3/a and 3/b show the electric and electroniccircuits for the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1/a.

Sheet 2/5

In this second configuration the frontal reception is determined by theB and N transducers, where the N transducer is internally positioned onthe right side and is always pointing in one direction, defined asFront-Left; on the other, left-hand side, the E transducer undertakesthe same function, and is always defined as Front-Right; the Wtransducer, defined as Rear-Left, is always electrically paired with theN transducer, whilst the S transducer, defined as Rear-Right, is alwayselectrically paired with the E transducer;

FIG. 4/a shows a simple configuration of a second type of this resonatordevice (where the left timing forks of FIG. 4/a correspond to the righttuning forks in FIG. 1/a and obviously the right timing fork in FIG. 4/acorresponds to the left tuning forks in FIG. 1/a);

FIG. 4/b, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the electric and electronic circuitsreferred to, in the simplified model illustrated in FIG. 4/a;

FIG. 6 shows an example of the use of two Integrated Circuits that canalso be contained in one Chip.

Sheet 3/5

In this third configuration the frontal reception is determined by the Nand E transducers, where the N transducer is externally positioned onthe left side and is always pointing in one direction, defined asFront-Left; on the other, right-hand side, the E transducer undertakesthe same function, and is always defined as Front-Right; the Wtransducer, defined as Rear-Left, is always electrically paired with theN transducer, whilst the S transducer, defined as Rear-Right, is alwayselectrically paired with the E transducer, with the fact that the N andS left hand side transducers are very close to one another as are the Band W transducers on the right hand side;

FIG. 7/a shows an example of a configuration of a third type of thisresonator device viewed from above;

FIG. 7/b shows two examples of electronic circuits for the third type ofproduction model in FIG. 7/a;

FIG. 8 shows in an enlarged form the exact matching for every singlefrontal membrane or diaphragm located in the capsules of the fourtransducers in respect of the simplified form in FIG. 7/a (highlightingtheir perfect vertical axis correction for centering the four frontalreceiving membranes).

Sheet 4/5

In this fourth configuration the frontal reception is determined by theN and B transducers, where the N transducer is positioned on the leftside and is always pointing in one direction, defined as Front-Left; onthe other, right-hand side, the E transducer undertakes the samefunction, and is always defined as Front-Right; the W transducer,defined as Rear-Left, is always electrically paired with the Ntransducer, whilst the S transducer, defined as Rear-Right, is alwayselectrically paired with the E transducer, with the fact that the N andS left hand side transducers are on the same resonating/vibrating prongas are the E and W transducers on the right hand side;

FIG. 9/a shows a configuration of a fourth type of resonator device withthe three extremely simplified views of two prongs of the tuning forksshortened in height (viewed from above in FIG. 9/a, from the front inFIGS. 9/d and 9/e, and from the side in FIGS. 9/b and 9/c);

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show two opposite electronic circuits for the sametype of simplified configuration in the three views from 9/a to 9/e.

Sheet 5/5

FIG. 12 shows in a simplified form the angular collation on theazimuthal and zenithal axis for two transducers inserted on the top ofthe two prongs specifically designed to intercept sample signals alsowith only one left or right tuning-fork (FIG. 12 only shows the leftchannel from the example in FIG. 1/a)as an example of a fifth productionmodel for the investigation and analysis of materials and fluids or thecontrol of environmental parameters, and also used to locate the exactposition and identify the shape and structure of specific objects.

FIG. 13 specifically concerns an application of this system that can beused for recording and reproducing sonic waves, retaining at all times atridimensional reproduction of sounds that is always compatible with thebinaural human perception, through two speakers (or a series ofspeakers);

FIG. 14 shows the detail of two transducer emitters of ultrasonic, sonicand infrasonic waves and vibrations with the drawing of the paths takenby the sounds emitted by these (for use in industrial and pharmaceuticalapplications, but above all in the electromedical field forinvestigating and analysing); also using this resonator device as atransducer and amplifier of sampled sound waves in a tridimensional formthat can then be directed and concentrated in an internal point of thehuman body according to the required use.

FIG. 15/a and FIG. 15/b both show a view from above of an audioheadphone system and the same system viewed from the rear, with thetridimensional extension of the sounds received being highlighted (wherein-head localization of a sound is a disturbance that has beeneliminated but can also be produced as one of many possible effects).

As the enclosed drawings show, and the key of the terminology andsymbols used also highlights, the resonator device and its electroniccircuits for 3-D detection and receiving of ultrasonic, sonic andinfrasonic waves, even of very low amplitude and frequency, in theatmosphere and in fluids, and suitable for use in cybernetics andlaboratory uses, in the form of a slender transducer system of soundwaves that can be recorded, amplified, directed and concentrated intridimensional form, according to the required use in accordance withthe present invention is characterized by the fact that it includes twopairs of transducers (the N, W pair corresponding to a Left-type humanear, and operates best with sounds from an anticlockwise direction,whilst the E, S pair corresponding to a Right-type human ear that, beingspecular to the other, operates best with sounds from a clockwisedirection) appropriately mounted and spatially adjusted on correspondingand appropriate slender support structures like the prongs of twotuning-forks placed side-by-side with resonating masses that have thetransducers on the prongs, with the distance between the individualprongs, their dimensions, shapes and masses being set accordingly, inorder to receive vibrations and resonances at predetermined frequencies,so these electrical/electronic transducers can in fact be of any type aslong as they are able to convert vibrations into electrical signals, forsounds that have been captured in air or water with the addition ofincremental vibrations for the resonating movements of the prongs whichsupport and hold them; this is possible for example with a well known orcustom made pressure gradient type microphone cartridges, fitted singlytogether with its related components, on individual supports made ofmaterials that will not create interference with the desired frequenciesand arranged in pairs on a common base or singly, it is also possible todesign this resonator device by using, where necessary, some of thealready established techniques used in the field of designing diapasons.

BEST METHODS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

When Configured to Reproduce the Human Sense of Hearing Like a SlenderCybernetic Transducer System in the Atmosphere (the following is justone example)

The electronic circuits that are a very important part of this devicerequire optimum shielding, in view of the fact that the device itselfdoes not have the ground as its sole point of reference. The shorter theelectrical pathways to reach the outlets, the greater will be thequality of the signal obtained. The standards for achieving a goodshielding are well known and the means for producing these require theuse of, for example, silver or gold plated leads and wires or those thathave excellent quality characteristics.

The electrical connection between two pairs of capsules or transducersin particular, and all those that go to make up the transducer system,and the carrying structure with the prongs for capturing sonic waves andvibrations and the tridimensional amplification systems are alignedsymmetrically one from the other, with the two left side transducers(together with their electrical/electronic circuits, prongs and allother parts) always mirroring those on the right.

The configurations of the system are determined by recalling thecharacteristics that exist between the external and internal human earwhere the actual auditory canal or ‘meatus’ that connects the eardrum tothe outer ear has an average length of 27 mm, and therefore if it is tooperate precisely as an open organ pipe, its lowest resonating frequencyin air would be:

$\begin{matrix}{f_{R} = {\frac{c_{SUONO}}{4\lambda} = {\frac{343.59}{4 \cdot 0.027} = {3181\mspace{14mu}{Hz}}}}} & ( {{Formula}\mspace{20mu} 01} )\end{matrix}$

-   -   where f_(R)=resonating frequency fixing a predefined ambient        temperature, or a temperature range within which it is envisaged        the device should operate, so that it will refer exactly to a        velocity of propagation of the sound energy (c_(s)) and        therefore:        t=20° C.=68°÷69° F.c _(s)=34,359cm/sec  (Formula 02)        the average propagation time (t_(o)) for this energy to travel 1        cm is indicated by:

$\begin{matrix}{t_{O} = {\frac{s}{c_{s}} = {{29.1044 \cdot 10^{- 6}}\mspace{14mu}\sec}}} & ( {{Formula}\mspace{20mu} 03} )\end{matrix}$in so doing t_(o) and the resonant frequency of the human ear taken as areference are obtained. The period “T” (in seconds) is then obtained,i.e. in a graphic sense, the time taken by the sine curve to accomplishits shape undertaking a period (a rotation of 360°, i.e. one rotationalangle) at the frequency taken as a reference, i.e. 3181 Hz:

$\begin{matrix}{T_{R} = {\frac{1}{f_{R}} = {{314.366 \cdot 10^{- 6}}\mspace{14mu}\sec}}} & ( {{Formula}\mspace{20mu} 04} )\end{matrix}$

-   -   where T_(R)=period corresponding to the resonant frequency        subsequently the maximum separation distance (d_(MAX)) between        the two transducers that form any of the device's pairs (for        example N-W for the left hand pair, E-S for the right hand pair        as in FIG. 1/a, Sheet 1/5) has to be obtained. On the basis of        the above specified parameters taken as a point of reference,        this maximum distance is applies to all four of the system's        basic configurations:

$\begin{matrix}{d_{MAX} = {\frac{T_{R}}{t_{O}} = {10.8\mspace{14mu}{cm}}}} & ( {{Formula}\mspace{20mu} 05} )\end{matrix}$where, if the frequency f_(R) is increased the T_(R) period decreasesand therefore the maximum separation distance d_(MAX) will decrease itsvalue (in centimeters).

However, even if the frequencies higher than 16,000 Hz (16 KHz) areusually too high to be detected by the human ear, the upper limit forthese acoustic frequencies (ultrasonic waves) is almost limitless, andcan be extended to well in excess of 10,000,000 Hz (10 MHz). The minimumseparation distance between the two transducers of a single pair at 16KHz (in the field of sonic waves in air) will therefore be:d _(MIN)=2.14cm  (Formula 06)so that, for frequencies capable of being perceived by the human ear,the separation distance between the two transducers of a single pairwill range from 2.1 cm (but this lower value may be halved forparticular types of applications) and 10.8 cm, and can be produced froma single pair (i.e. one channel) of N-W type (corresponding to aLeft-type human ear, that operates best with sounds from ananticlockwise direction) or a single pair of E-S type (corresponding toa Right-type human ear, that being specular to the other, operates bestwith sounds from a clockwise direction) when used in industrialapplications, and also with two pairs for binaural listening.

Using pressure gradient type microphone cartridges or capsules, thedistance between the N and S transducers will correspond to the distancebetween the E and W transducers (FIG. 1/a, Sheet 1/5), and can beselected at will, even if, in order to remain at the level of theaudible sounds, this distance must be less than or equal to:d _(N−S) =d _(E−W)≦4d _(MAX)  (Formula 07)where4d _(MAX)=4·10.8=43.2cm  (Formula 08)

in which the multiplying factor 4 is to be placed in relation to thesame value chosen previously with λ in Formula 01:

$\begin{matrix}{f_{R} = {\frac{c_{SUONO}}{4\lambda} = {\frac{343.59}{4 \cdot 0.027} = {3181\mspace{14mu}{Hz}}}}} & ( {{Formula}\mspace{20mu} 01} )\end{matrix}$

Where the device operates in the atmosphere or, when surrounded by agas, at 20° C. a further advantage is that the distance between the twoouter N and E transducers can be selected at will, even if, in order toremain at the level of audible sounds, the distance can be less than orequal to:d _(N−E)≦5d _(MAX) corresponding to 54cm  (Formula 09)

The optimum separation between the left and right channels, where thesonic waves are to be listened to directly by human beings, is achievedon the basis of the following rules:d _(S−W) ≦d _(N−W)  (Formula 10)better still if:d _(S−W) >>d _(N−W)  (Formula 11)

BEST METHODS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Like a Slender Cybernetic Transducer System Immersed in Water (anexample of an application)

The above explanation only applies when the device operates in theatmosphere or when surrounded by gas, fixing a predefined temperature.From the relationship between the propagation speed of electroacousticenergy in water (at 20° C.) and in air (at 20° C.) the following isobtained:

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{c_{S{({WATER})}}}{c_{S{({AIR})}}} = {\frac{1510}{343.59} \cong 4.395}} & ( {{Formula}\mspace{20mu} 12} )\end{matrix}$This means that in parity with the resonating frequency taken as areference in this example for water, all the dimensions, shapes, massesand distances between the transducers will be 4.395 greater than thosecalculated for the use of the same device in air:d _(MAX(WATER)) =D _(MAX(AIR))·4.395≅47.47cm.  (Formula 13)

BEST METHODS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An Example of an Application in the Field of Geophysics, GravitationalMeasurement and also For Detecting Masses or Extremely Small Objects

The device in accordance with the present invention can also usefully bedeployed as a detector of geo-electrical and gravitational signals in aliquid, air or gaseous environment, in as much as the device detectsamplitude and frequency variations in the electric potential between twocondensers (also having identical values) at a constant charge when themembrane or diaphragm of one of the transducers moves with respect theother (even in the absence of the effect of jittering on air particlesor movement of water molecules). However, even in the absenceattribution of gravitational excitation, electrical signals are alwayspresent at 20° C. because they originate from thermal jittering(Brownian motion). Therefore, in order to obtain reliable results itwill be necessary to bring the device to an extremely low temperaturethat is as near as possible to absolute zero. In order to allow thistype of device to operate under such difficult conditions (even if itmay not always be necessary to bring the device itself to such lowtemperatures) the use of special materials is advisable in theirconstruction, such as 5056 aluminium, silicon, sapphire and niobium(that has superconductor properties to the temperatures of liquidhelium). Amplifiers and preamplifiers in this case employ transistorsthat take advantage of the Josephson effect or with SLUG junctions thatuse a niobium wire with drops of lead and tin soldering. Other moredeveloped control devices are also capable of improving time domainamplitude and frequency detection of geo-electrical waves induced bygravitational signals.

When designing a similar transducer system the frequencies to be takenas a point of reference range from less than 1 Hz up to a maximum ofseveral KHz and these electrical signals are sent mainly to detectionand measuring devices. In order to calibrate the detector, the frequencyto which to refer to as a point of reference is around 1000 Hz; afrequency with d=34.359 cm, that is also a point of reference for thehuman sense of hearing and balance, and therefore this transducer systemlends itself to dual use, obviously with different types of constructionmaterials. Furthermore, this device will operate without anyrestrictions to the bandwidth.

The above observations and the results obtained from practicalexperimentation, show that what Albert Einstein claimed in “ÜberGravitationswellen” (König, 1918, page 154), i.e. “The gravitationalwaves that can be generated by objects in motion, in a laboratory,produce very weak effects on other objects with a virtually negligiblevalue in all imaginable cases” ought not, on the whole, be totallycorrect. In reality what has been discovered is that these gravitationalwaves, in order to be able to propagate in the surrounding space, at aspeed equivalent to light, extract energy from mass. This reasoning, theexperiments performed and the need to produce a more precise descriptionof what takes place when adding speeds that are near to that of light,has resulted in my producing with this formula:

$\begin{matrix}{v = \frac{v_{1} + v_{2}}{1 + \sqrt[19]{( \frac{v_{1}v_{2}}{c^{2}} )^{31}}}} & ( {{Formula}\mspace{20mu} 14} )\end{matrix}$

Adding speeds that are in competition to that of light, the aboveformula proves to be more accurate than Einstein's theorem of additionof the speed in relativistic physics, first phase:

$\begin{matrix}{v = \frac{v_{1} + v_{2}}{1 + \frac{v_{1}v_{2}}{c^{2}}}} & ( {{Formula}\mspace{20mu} 15} )\end{matrix}$

If it is accepted that the new formulation (Formula 14) is reasonable,this leads to the consequent modification of all the formulae that go tomake up the Lorentz group of transformations, more correctly referred toas Einstein-Lorentz. The intention is not that of bringing into questionthe actual principle of relativity, which presupposes that all inertialsystems are equal amongst themselves. Several laws of physics ought tobe re-examined so that they will conform to the Einstein-Lorentz groupof transformations modified by the Formula 14.

A comparison between the two formulas (n°14 with n°15) will also makethe results possible with:

$\begin{matrix}{\sqrt[19]{( \frac{v_{1}v_{2}}{c^{2}} )^{31}} > \frac{v_{1}v_{2}}{c^{2}}} & ( {{Formula}\mspace{20mu} 16} )\end{matrix}$

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Detailed Description of First Configuration (sheet 1/5)—Set Up andSimplified Electrical Circuit (FIGS. 1/a, 1/b, 1/c)

In the first production model, as shown in FIG. 1/a, Sheet 1/5, the N,W, S and E transducers are arranged in such a way that they representthe point of listening of a human head (a shown in the figure) with anoperational point of reference consisting of a “front” (lookingdirection), a “rear” (back of the head) and two sides (L=Left andR=Right) with the pairs of transducers arranged on the sides, and wherethe four transducers are all pointing towards different points of space,at 90° angular distances from one another, and corresponding, as areference, to the four cardinal points, establishing a choice for allthe configurations (therefore for this one, but also for all the othersmentioned for reference purposes), an identical point of reference,indicated by N=North. In this first configuration the transducer markedN is ideally pointed towards North (in one direction defined asFront-left) so that it will receive from that precise direction thosesignals emanating directly from there (and obviously also a part ofthose in the surrounding spaces) and the other transducers point W=West,S=South and E=East respectively, so that all four will cover ahorizontal (azimuthal) plane of 360° (90°×4). This device is evencapable of recognising the elevation of sounds with respect to azenithal plane, which means that it can intercept sounds within anideally spherical system. In this first configuration also, the pair ofleft (hand) transducers (L) is the one having a common ±45° pointingexactly in a leftwards direction, whilst the other pair (R) mirrors itexactly. The distance between N-W will be approximately the same as thatbetween E-S whilst the distance between W-S will be greater than thatbetween N-W (or E-S). It follows therefore that in order to achieve ananticlockwise revolution starting from North, will mean passing throughW (−90° from N), then S (−180° from N), then finally through S (−270°from N), eventually returning to N.

The electrical connection between the two transducers that go to make upeach of the system's two pairs applies to all of the possibleconfigurations. With two identical or similar transducers (i.e. bothbeing electrically compatible), identified and having chosen (also byconvention) the contact points defined as positive pole, it will benecessary to connect to one another the two positives of the transducersthat go to make up the first positive pair, that is to say for theL=Left (FIG. 1/b). The same identical operation will be performed on theother chosen pair, that is to say for the R=Right (FIG. 1/c). It isimportant to bear in mind that where all four transducers are notidentical it must be remembered that N will be equal to E whilst Wshould be equal to S. Once the positives from each pair have beenconnected to one another, the negative contacts from the N and Etransducers will be wired to ground (that for this reason, in theabsence of resistors and capacitors, will be capable of frontalreception) whilst the other two remaining contacts will make up theoutputs to send the one defined as W to channel 1 (L-Left), whilst the Snegative will constitute the channel 2 output (R=Right). It is obviouslyalso possible to have following type of connections (that will no longerbe quoted again, in as much as it represents another practical way ofconstructing the same type of device): i.e. the two negatives from eachpair of transducers having been connected to one another, the positivecontacts that form the W and S transducers will be wired to ground,whilst the other two remaining positive contacts will make up theoutputs to send the one defined as N to channel 1 (left) whilst the Epositive will constitute the channel 2 output (right); and it is forthis reason that they are capable of front perception. This methodologyhas neither been described nor illustrated in as much as it is simplerto realise and is not particularly suitable for use with condensers:this type of electronic circuit is usually achieved by giving theprevalence of the N and E signals (that have no condensers at theirterminals and are therefore intended for frontal perception) over the Wand S signals (that have a low resistance at their terminals). The samething should be required with the preamplification circuits (FIGS. 3/aand 3/b).

The advantage, in the cases used here as an example, is that this devicefor sonic wave applications can be produced by using four pressuregradient microphone cartridges (i.e. omni directional), commerciallyreferred to as High Quality Electret Microphone Cartridges, which arealso much reduced in size, and easily purchasable (even at very lowprices).

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Cartridges For Sonic Wave Applications (For Example: MicrophonicApplications of This Device)

Where electrect or condenser microphone transducers are used (that havea relatively high output level), the use of an internal preamplifier isenvisaged; it is mounted in the vicinity of the backplate, it willfunction as an impedance adaptor. In addition to this, these pressuresensitive microphones requiring voltage gain, will have FET (FieldEffect Transistors) internally with an “n” type channel (n-channel)commonly referred to as N-FET, and consequently in this case the Draincontact at the output from the N-FET will correspond with the positiveof the microphone cartridge, whilst the Source contact will correspondto the negative. As an alternative, transistors that use Josephsonjunctions can be used which will improve the sensitivity for amplitudeand frequency detection of sonic waves and of other types of signals.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

First Configuration (Sheet 1/5): Main Electronic Circuit (FIGS. 2/a and2/b)

FIG. 2/a and FIG. 2/b (Sheet 1/5) shows the same circuit as in FIG. 1/band in FIG. 1/c with the addition of a condenser at the “W” and “S”terminals, a variable resistor at the “N” and “E” terminals, and inwhich these resistors (R) and the negative contacts of the microphonesconnected to ground determine the frontal pick up of these transducers.Metallized polycarbonate type capacitors should preferably be used, i.e.a Plastic Metallic Film type having self-generating properties, alsosuitable for short time impulses and with low losses at highfrequencies; the connecting cables in these capacitors will be paralleland mechanically resistant to vibrations and are totally tropicalized.The variable resistor (R) is designed to calibrate and centre thefrontality of each channel.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

First Configuration With Dedicated Tridimensional Amplification of AllElectric Parameters (SHEET 1/5, FIGS. 3/a and FIG. 3/b)

A preamplification and/or amplification device that will require its ownpower supply is also envisaged. There is also the additional possibilityof increasing the sensitivity of the device through the use ofamplifiers/preamplifiers with two circuits specifically designed foreliminating the interferences, and suppressing noises thanks to the useof four separate low voltage feeders connected to an equal number ofseparate supply apparatuses, which precisely guarantee the display ofthe tridimensional amplification of all electric parameters. Fornon-tridimensional operations, it is possible to use unified powersupply systems or one low voltage feeder per channel. The investigationand analysis of materials and fluids or the control of environmentalparameters (geophysical measurements), may also require the use ofcomputers. It is possible in Real-Time to compare the signals received(with or without amplification) with sampling signals taken as areference. Thanks to the extreme innovativeness of this electricalcircuit it becomes evident that it can be adapted and developed in orderfor it to be used in numerous other applications, to increase noticeablythe fidelity of the amplified output signal of real tridimensionalsounds as picked up by the transducers on each of the channels.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Simple Conversion From First Configuration to Second Configuration andVice Versa (Sheets 1/5 and 2/5)

In the first configuration of transducers shown in the example thatappears in Sheet 1/5, sending the pair N-W to the right-hand side and Rchannel, and the other pair of transducers E-S to the left side and Lchannel it results in the second configuration shown in Sheet 2/5 thatfavours a near frontal perception of sounds. Then it is also possible toexchange the two capacitors (C) with the two variable resistors (R) toincrease the perception from the W and S transducers (through the tworesistors connected to their terminals) over the N and E signals. Thisone possible example, of many, shows how this transducer system istotally adaptable and how, precisely because of its versatility andpracticality, it can be easily marketed in ‘kit form’; it can as aconsequence be quickly transformed in all the possible configurations soas to be adapted for a variety of uses and the capabilities of thetechnical user, without incurring any additional cost.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Device Configuration Two (Sheet 2/5)

In this second configuration of the production model, shown in FIG. 4/a(Sheet 2/5), the E-S and N-W transducers are facing in such a way as tocapture sounds originating from within the system, and this is achievedby connecting the E-S pair to the L Channel, in fact present a common±45° facing rightwards, and it is the opposite for the N-W pair, in thisway creating a system that is particularly suited for highlighting andamplifying sounds that have been picked up and intercepted originatingfrom positions that are at a particularly close range, in which (FIG. 5,Sheet 2/5) the variable resistors (R) also determine the frontal pick upof the E and N transducers. The overall result is a sophisticated systemfor recording samples of pure sound that is capable, even in the absenceof any type of electronic amplification system, of capturing andsampling sounds of a very low amplitude and frequency also forelectromedical applications or for use in the study of sonicpropagations in fluids or physical phenomena. In this secondconfiguration the four transducers are arranged in such a way that theycan ideally perform one complete anticlockwise rotation starting from S,and in 90° steps, passing first through E, then N and finally through W,returning to S (in four precise steps).

Also in this basic configuration, the four (two plus two) transducers inFIG. 4/a (Sheet 2/5) are still paired with a shared positive, and the Eand N transducers that have the negative contact to ground (which is theprinciple factor that determines the frontality for this type ofelectronic circuit), are intended for frontal pick up (Sheet 2/5, FIG.4/b).

The circuit shown in FIGS. 1/b, 1/c, and 4/b also envisages two variableresistors (connected at the terminals of the transducer E and N in FIGS.2/a, 2/b, and 5) suitable for adjusting the centering of the system'sfrontality. Furthermore the device can also operate without any type ofinternal power supply system and so is therefore adaptable for use witheven the smallest and lightest of portable systems that use plug-inpower transducers. It can also be used as a measuring instrument evenwhen it is connected to an audio recording device (plug-in powercircuits on Sheet 2/5, FIG. 5).

Moreover, a circuit such as that shown in FIG. 5 envisages apreamplification system with four separate low voltage power supplyapparatuses and with separate low voltage feeders from each of theamplifiers, where it is also possible to use special types of IntegratedCircuits specifically designed for this transducer system (Sheet 2/5,FIG. 6).

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Device Configuration Three (Sheet 3/5)

In a third type of production model, shown in FIG. 7/a (Sheet 3/5),derived from FIG. 1/a (Sheet 1/5), the N, W, E and S transducers arearranged as follows: the left (L) hand pair consisting of the N and Wtransducers is place almost so that it superimposes the pair consistingof the B and S transducers, moving the N transducer nearer to the Stransducer and the E closer to the W, retaining the initial direction ofall of the transducers, whilst reducing the overall size of the device,thanks to the drawing closer together of the two support bases or theuse of one common base having four prongs.

For the configuration shown in FIG. 7/a (Sheet 3/5) in particular, thebasic version of the electronic circuit is that shown in FIGS. 2/a, 2/band 3/a, 3/b in Sheet 1/5 with the frontal signal produced from the Nand E transducers. There is also the possibility of exchanging: i) thecapacitors with the resistors; ii) the polarity; iii) the Left with theRight channel; in both the electronic circuits of FIG. 7/b in order alsoto pick up the frontal signal from the W and S transducers (in this caseB and N transducers pick up sounds originating the mainly from therear).

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Device Configuration Four (Sheet 4/5)

In a fourth production model shown in FIG. 9/a (Sheet 4/5), the N, W, Band S transducers are placed together on just two support structuresthat can be likened to the arms or prongs of only one tuning fork, whereN will be above S (or vice versa) and E will be above W (or vice versa)

Also for the configuration shown in FIG. 9/a (Sheet 4/5), the basicversion of the electronic circuit is that shown in FIGS. 2/a, 2/b andFIGS. 3/a, 3/b (Sheet 1/5). This fourth configuration derives directlyfrom FIG. 7/a (Sheet 3/5). The electronic circuit is illustrated in FIG.10 and can be easily changed over in the circuit shown in FIG. 11,transforming the two front transducers (N and B) into the two reartransducers (or vice versa), with the possibility, in so doing, ofadapting the device for recordings of distant sounds (with N and E likefrontal transducers) or close-up recordings (with W and S like frontaltransducers) simply by rotating the device 180° and switching from onecircuit to the other. In this fourth configuration everyresonating/vibrating prong (with two opposite transducers that can alsobe at different heights) corresponds to its own channel, for industrialapplications.

In order to reduce to a minimum the likelihood of possible problems thatmay arise in this particular configuration when the four transducers arebrought closer together or one transducer is positioned closer to theother of the pair, i.e. N with W (a problem that may create for examplea spatial deformation of the tridimensional space that is picked-up), itis a good idea to set an almost perfect vertical axis correction forcentering the transducers' diaphragm (FIGS. 9/a, b, c, d and e), whilsta reasonable correction on the horizontal axis can also be achieved byreducing the dimensions of the transducers' capsule as much as possibleand by bringing N as close as possible to S and the E as close aspossible to W. It is inadvisable to bring the distance between thechannels (N and B) too closely together in this configuration, bearingin mind the two positioning heights (between N and W, or between E andS) of the transducers.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Device Configuration Five—A Pair of Transducers Like A Single Human Ear(Sheets 5/5, FIG. 12)—A General Example of Its Operating Principles

The invention concerns a device for locating, intercepting,investigating and analysing materials, including biological (and theirproperties), the capturing and amplifying ultrasonic, sonic andinfrasonic waves, the detection of the minutest of movements of masses,even microscopic, and for the picking up of vibrations even of very lowamplitude and frequency, in the atmosphere, surrounded by gas, orimmersed in water or other types of liquid. It can operate across a widetemperate span, starting at approximately absolute zero, right throughto conditions of extreme heat. This special system of sound transducersmakes it possible to recognise and analyse objects through one or twotransmitters or beacons also placed precisely opposite one another inrelation to the fact that this resonator device presents manysimilarities with the operating principles of a diapason.

It is capable of receiving one or more external signals containingultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves for detecting, investigating oranalysing materials and their properties and for other industrialapplications (also using one channel when binaural human perception ofsounds is not necessary) and is particularly suited for use in theelectromedical field.

A single pair of N-W type transducers corresponding to a Left-type humanear, and operates best with sounds from an anticlockwise direction,whilst a single pair of ES type transducers corresponding to aRight-type human ear that, being specular to the other, operates bestwith sounds from a clockwise direction (the passage from anticlockwiseto clockwise direction, and vice versa, occurs through the simpleswapping of the two transducers of a single pair, and maintaining theelectrical/electronic circuits unaltered for all of the possibleconfigurations: therefore in the first configuration, for example, inSheet 1/5, the N transducer of the anticlockwise left pair switches fromexternal to internal and assumes the position occupied by W, leaving,therefore the W transducer to become the most extreme outer left).

FIG. 12 furthermore represents an example, that is an explanation thatis in no way restrictive, of a large number of possible uses for thedevice and its associated system, in accordance with the presentinvention, with the drawing of the pair of N-W transducers (alreadyshown in FIG. 1/a, Sheet 1/5) that shows how the tridimensionalultrasonic, sonic and infrasonic pick up requires that the front part ofa capsule that makes up every different type of transducer for thisresonator device does not correspond to the frontal zone of the space topicked up and investigated.

The new concept of tridimensional display (in the human binauralperception of sound), from pick up achievable with this precise device,requires that for each possible channel the spherical space on thehorizontal axis be theoretically divided into three equal areas (or 3-Dvolumes), each of 120° (360°÷3=120°), because with only two transducers(one for Left and one for Right) it would be difficult to fixunambiguously a frontal zone that is exactly differentiated from therear. Therefore two transducers (N, W) will be used for reaching theleft ear so that the total of their two “left” directions (Front-Leftplus Rear-Left) will give the precise point of convergence of thosewaves or vibrations which unmistakably originate from the left, whilstthe frontal and the rear is picked up by the mirrored direction of theleft hand pair of transducers compared to that of the right, correctlyadjusted by means of the prevalence of the N signal (with the variableresistor at its terminals, and the negative connection to ground) overthe W signal (with the condenser at its terminals) combined with theprevalence of the E over the S (see also the first configurationillustrated on Sheet 1/5).

This resonator device and its associated systems also makes it possibleto eliminate the proportionality that exists between measured soundintensity and the distance from the sound source. It can therefore takeas points of reference the specific positive and negative amplitudepeaks of a precise wavelength with respect to its point of origin.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

For Example In Both Professional and Consumer Stereophony (See Sheet5/5, FIG. 13, FIGS. 15/a and b)

In Sheet 5/5, FIG. 13, it is possible to see in a simplified manner anapplication that can be used with the first four of the five principalconfigurations (and their possible modifications: i.e. i) the exchangeof the capacitors with variable resistors; ii) the exchange betweenanticlockwise and clockwise direction for the two pairs of transducers;iii) the connection of each pair of transducers to one another by thepositive or negative contacts) where the acoustic signals recorded bythis device can be listened to from any position in a room (depending onthe set up will result in a fidelity to the original as well as to thefontal position) as long as the speakers or sound diffusers are placedprecisely opposite one another, at any height above the floor. Therequirement for preferably having the reproduction of one channelopposite the other is to be considered in relation to the fact that thisdevice presents many similarities with the operating principles of adiapason. This realistic and objective listening proves to be to agreater extend tied to subjective impressions when the recordings arelistened to through headphones, as shown in FIGS. 15/a and 15/b wherethe frontality is always rigidly observed, so that ideally the listeneris transported to the place where the recording was made. Obviously thesounds can move around inside or outside of the head of the listener inrelation to the real position of the sound sources with respect to thedevice at the moment of recording. This impression of a sound withinevery specific part of the body (from the head through to the feet) canalso be achieved when listening through acoustic speakers every time thelistener positions him or herself in the precise location through whichthe sound is passing, including those areas really behind the two(series of) speakers.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

For Example In Configurations For Localised Ultrasound and InfrasoundTherapy and Hyperthermia Over 40° C. (Approximately 43° C.) and So On(Sheet 5/5, FIG. 14)

In FIG. 14, it is possible to see an adaptation of the device for use inelectromedical practices, where the objective is that of a direct actionon the human body by concentrating certain types of sounds directly onspecifically identified parts of it. In this case it is possible tooperate through types of transducers that include flat acoustic padsthat can also be applied to the human body to which they will adherethrough the use of appropriate adhesive creams or gels. This type ofapplication could also result in the use of disposable type transducers,with self-adhesive discs, (in this case having a small maximum diameterof 5 or 6 cm) whilst the capsules for transmitting ultrasonic, sonic andinfrasonic waves in this example in FIG. 14 should not exceed a diameterof 34 cm. The electrical connection for (extremely low voltage) with twoor four capsules could also be achieved for example through the use ofappropriate automatic “poppers” such as those used on ECG pads. For thisparticular type of application, i.e. ultrasonic, sonic and infrasonictreatment and therapy on the body and the brain, for physiology andpsychology, for generating vibrations of cancer cells to be treated in apost operative phase, and in all those instances where sound waves canadvantageously destroy the structure of the cytoskeleton of the diseasedcells, leaving the sound ones intact, it will be necessary to carry outspecific types of protocols for programming both the recording andemission of this type of sound, as well as specific signals to samples,so as to arrange waves at the precise points of concentration at certainfrequencies, with the possibility of controlling and adjusting exactlyboth the concentration of the sound waves and the power used during eachand every specific treatment.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Note Regarding Industrial Applications In General

The transducers employed for picking up or reproducing ultrasonic, sonicand infrasonic waves and vibrations can be of any type, shape or size,as long as they are sensitive to air particles in the atmosphere or anytype of gas or liquid mixture in which they may be placed or immersed.It is also possible to use transducers capable of operating underextreme temperatures conditions, both high/hot as well as low/cold, alsoin the presence of water vapour, dust, magnetic fields, radioactivity orin the presence of extreme levels of humidity, with pressure levels thatdiffer greatly from that of our own atmosphere, without going beyond theprotective remit of this patent, as described, illustrated and claimedfurther on in this document by the specified aims.

1. An electronic resonator device for tri-dimensionally detecting andreceiving ultrasonic, sonic and infrasonic waves, even of very lowamplitude and frequency, both though an atmosphere and in a fluid, foruse in cybernetics and laboratory applications, said device comprising atransducer system for sound waves to be recorded, amplified, directedand concentrated in tri-dimensional form, wherein said transducer systemcomprises two pairs of transducers for a human left ear and a humanright ear, respectively, said transducers of each said pair beingadapted to convert vibrations into electrical signals, said transducersbeing mounted and spatially adjusted on corresponding diapason prongshaped support structures placed side-by-side, said support structureseach including transducer supporting tuning diapason prong means andresonating mass means and being so arranged as to receive vibrations andresonances at predetermined frequencies, said pair of transducers beingcoupled so as to be aligned symmetrically so that two left sidetransducers of said transducer system are arranged with a mirrorrelationship with respect to two right side transducer of said resonatordevice, and wherein two transducers of each transducer pair, for exampleN-W for a left pair and E-S for a right pair, are spaced at a distancefrom substantially 2.1 cm to substantially 10.8 cm as said deviceoperates in air at 20° C., whereas, as said device operates in water at20° C., said distance will be 4.395 greater than said distance in air.2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said tuning diapason prongmeans comprise four diapason prongs, each prong having a detectionsurface thereof pointing in a direction of a respective cardinal point,thereby one faces North, one West, one South and the other East, in ananticlockwise or clockwise direction in 90° steps, thereby said fourtransducers will cover a horizontal, azimuthal plane of 360°.
 3. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein said device further comprises fouramplifiers/preamplifiers power supplied by four separate voltage feedersconnected to four separate supply apparatuses.
 4. A device according toclaim 1, wherein a distance between N and S transducers corresponds to adistance between E and W transducers, said distance being less than orequal to 43.2 cm when said device operates in air at 20° C.
 5. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein a distance between N and E and S and Wtransducers is less than or equal to 44.0 cm when said device operatesin air at 20° C.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein said devicefurther comprises at least a left sound channel and at least a rightsound channel, said left and right sound channels being spaced from oneanother as to meet a distance relationship:d _(s−w≧) d d _(N−W) and preferably d _(s−w) >>d d _(N−W)·31.
 7. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein said device comprises a singleeither left or right channels.